Choosing wine for the holidays shouldn't be a chore

Wine enhances the flavor of food, makes the table look nice and can liven up a meal. But many people find it confusing. There are too many choices, it requires a special tool to open, and there's the whole culture around wine supposedly dictating what goes with which food and what's cool to drink.

Times staff writer Jerry Hirsch -- he covers food and wine for the Business section -- offers this quick primer on how to incorporate vino into your holidays without hassles and embarrassment, and what basic items you need to present your drink perfectly.

Photo: Ringo H.W. Chiu/For The Times